Meaning: 'Reduce' means to make something smaller or less in quantity, degree, or size, which in this context refers to minimizing the amount of blame assigned.

Wrong options:

• abuse: 'Abuse' means to use something in a harmful or improper way, which does not fit the context of managing blame.
• release: 'Release' means to set free or allow to escape, which does not convey the intended action of minimizing blame.
• redress: 'Redress' means to remedy or set right a wrong, which implies correcting blame rather than reducing it.

Correct answer: praising

Explanation: The word 'praising' fits well as it is a gerund that indicates the action of expressing approval or admiration, which is contextually relevant to focusing on positive actions to reduce blame. It aligns with the grammatical structure of the sentence.

Meaning: 'Praising' means expressing approval or admiration for someone or something, which in this case refers to acknowledging the successes of individuals.

Wrong options:

• promising: 'Promising' refers to making a commitment or assurance about future actions, which does not fit the context of focusing on current successes.
• preserving: 'Preserving' means to maintain something in its original state, which does not relate to the act of recognizing achievements.
• praying: 'Praying' refers to making a request to a deity, which is unrelated to the context of acknowledging success.

Correct answer: context

Explanation: The word 'context' is appropriate as it refers to the circumstances or setting in which an event occurs, which is crucial for understanding the situation of COVID-19. It fits grammatically and logically within the sentence structure.

Meaning: 'Context' means the circumstances or background that help explain an event or situation, which in this case refers to the specific situation of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Wrong options:

• confrontation: 'Confrontation' implies a hostile or argumentative meeting, which does not fit the context of discussing blame in a broader sense.
• text: 'Text' refers to written material, which is not relevant to the situational analysis of blame.
• construction: 'Construction' refers to the act of building or creating something, which does not relate to the situational context of blame.

Correct answer: violated

Explanation: The word 'violated' is the correct choice as it is a verb that indicates breaking or disregarding a rule or norm, which fits the context of a health minister failing to adhere to social norms. It aligns grammatically and contextually with the sentence.

Meaning: 'Violated' means to break or fail to comply with a rule or standard, which in this context refers to the health minister not following social norms for personal gain.

Wrong options:

• departed: 'Departed' means to leave or go away, which does not convey the action of breaking rules or norms.
• established: 'Established' means to set up or create, which does not fit the context of failing to adhere to norms.
• met: 'Met' means to come into contact or agreement with something, which does not relate to the action of violating norms.